In response to recent outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), or 'goat plague', in Europe, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced strict new controls to safeguard the country's livestock population. These controls include a ban on the importation of unpackaged sheep and goat meat, meat products, milk, and milk products from certain areas. The restrictions, already implemented in England and soon to be extended to Wales and Scotland, will remain until PPR no longer poses a risk to Great Britain through these imports. PPR is a highly contagious disease that affects goats and sheep and can kill up to 70% of infected animals, but does not pose a risk to human health. The UK's deputy chief veterinary officer, Ele Brown, has emphasized the potential impact of an outbreak on animal welfare and the farming industry, and is encouraging the public to prevent the spread of PPR by not bringing unpackaged meat, cheese, and milk into the country.